Pre-Nursing Students with ADD

Hey Gang,

I am a newbee to the site as a member and I work as a Pharmacy Technician. I have high aspirations on obtaining my ARN (Assoc.Deg RN) within the next 2-3yrs. I am 25 and 100% XY Chrom. and yes ladies, I love football. My decision to go into nursing is one where my college studies have brought me full circle to it. Now, after 5 years of habitually changing my major/college etc. I finally realized the one constant in all of my previous attempts. Health Care that is dexterous and challenging with a high pt contact that actually pays a living wage.

However, in the back of my mind I have concerns because I too have borderline ADD/ADHD tendencies. My regular NP has started me on 18mg Strattera 1qd. which has definetly helped me keep my game on. I could probably benefit from a stronger doesage, but I also have tried other tactics to strengthen my mental energy. Tactics such as martial arts w/ emphasis on meditiation such as Tai Chi and relaxation techniques of Qi Gong. Also doing things such as my severe addiction to my Playstation allow me to challege my mental energy and allow me to stay more focused at work, and in a pharmacy (particulary one w/ high volume) that is critical). My wife of 4yrs has noticed a major difference in my attitude and capabilities and think they are major improvement in my overall demeanor. She thinks I could definetly make a good RN but has told me if I go this route...study your damn tail off and no more PS2! I am glad to see that I am not the only one with concerns on males w/ ADD/ADHD considering Nursing. The submittions have been very helpful and I hope mine helps to others.

ScooterSan

HI Im just going to say that I know that this thread is in the male nursing section but thought that I would put my two cents in
I have a learning dissability and know how hard it can be to learn and do things when it seems like theres a huge obstical in front of you. that being said I also have a male friend that I entered my BsN program (a 4 year program that has taken us both 6 to complete) with that does have ADD. He knew that he had ADD but did not get himself diagnosed until late in the program. He is a briliant guy but his proocrastination and at times lack of foucus truelly affected his work as well as his marks. When he was diagnosed the school worked with him and his dissability (he was able to get exam accomidations where he would be able to take a break in the exam to help calm/relax his mind... given more time to take tests). The school also help connect im with supports that were able to help him deal with ADD. He also is on med's to help deal with the ADD and truely a person can tell when he has not taken his medications
He is now a month away from graduating from the program and its MHO that being diagnosed and getting the supports truely helped him complete the program.

Just wanted to offer my support and to advise that you speak with a trained practitioner about this to determine if your self-dx is correct.

As for study strategies, repetition is the name of the game with me, and LOTS of breaks. I used to procrastinate but that only made it worse. Now I try to stay a week ahead on my studies so that I give my brain "room" (time) to spiral out of focus and then return to the studying at hand. I've been faring excellently with my lowest grade being a 3.7 in Statistics. I only use my adderall if I absolutely need to because I hate how f l a t I feel after taking a dose. Ugh.

Anyhow, best of luck to you!

Many people who suffer from ADD do not wish to take any drugs, but unfortunately when it interferes negatively in your everyday life, sometimes medications are necessary to curb the symptoms. I'm not so sure that you can should be diagnosing yourself with the condition however-- some people (including me) just have more things going on in their heads at one time than others. Is it such a bad thing?

Hi,

Just thought I would offer my .02 as well. I am currently in my last semester iin my ASN program. I have a rip roaring case of ADHD. That being said, I thought that I could add a little to this thread. I am 42 years old. I was finally diagnosed at 37. After 2 failed mariages and 21 jobs! My answer was MEDS. I hate to say it but I do love my medicine. I take Adderal and I can say with great confidence that I would not be where I am today without it.
Finally, lost 45 extra pounds, am on the deans list and will graduate with honors in May.
I can say that the old behavior patterns are very difficult to unlearn. Socially I am very retarded in my development. I have learned to keep my mouth shut most of the time. To stop just blurting out whatever I thought of. The nursing class is very close. And being only one of 4 remaining males, this has been very challenging indeed. I have never known what to say around women. But I am coming around.

I can say that having ADHD correctly diagnosed is the very first step. You should also be aware that if you in fact do have ADHD then you are in a class protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA offers protections in the school environment in college and in your career as well. HOWEVER, you need to be very careful to whom you disclose this diagnosis to. There are many nursing instructors who believe in only the "best of the best" being allowed into their nursing field. As if they are the gatekeepers. They often are the ones who wish to keep out the men as well. In my program, no one knows of my diagnosis. Three people who were open about their diagnoses early on and requested untimed tests are now gone.
I casually made this observation in passing in the hallway once and was overheard by a first year nsg. student. In no time at all, I was in one of the professors offices defending myself.

This probably doesn't happen everywhere, but it has been my experience.
Hope this helps.

I was diagnosed with ADD about a year ago. I have been taking Adderall for management. Things that help my ADD symptoms:
1. Consistent exercise.
2. Low carb diet.
3. Environmental management.
4. Use a fidget.
5. Be honest with people in your life about your ADD. Ask them to help you.
6. Get in the books about Adult ADD.
7. Take meds if prescribed.
8. Get Evaluated! I wish that I hadn't waited 40 years to get evaluated and treated.

After getting into treatment for my ADD I won a scholarship for Adult ADD students from ELI Lilly for a semester of school. It paid for my prerequisites and I am entering nursing school in the fall for the Accelerated BSN at MN State-Mankato.

I think that nursing is a great career for people with ADD because it has lots of external cues to help stay focused plus because ADDErs as a whole also tend to be very empathetic towards others due to the struggles that they have overcome.

I wish you the very best as you work for your dreams!

I don't have ADD, but nonverbal learning disability. I'm slower at all my work than other people, so like many have suggested, I work my butt off to get ahead...that way, if something happens I don't to panic, and I can also just have some time to just take a break, and not worry about school work. Also, I find that doing a little school at a time, and taking short breaks helps me tremendously!